TRIAD Alerts 2019/20

What is a TRIAD?

The Triads are the three half-hour settlement periods of highest demand on the GB electricity transmission system between November and February (inclusive) each year, separated by at least ten clear days. National Grid uses the Triads to determine Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) demand charges for customers with half hourly meters.

Final TRIAD periods are confirmed by National Grid after the winter TRIAD season has ended, usually in the last week of March.

Will I be affected by a TRIAD?

The Triad periods are used to calculate charges for those who are half hourly (HH) metered and on a pass through supply contract. If you aren't sure if this affects you, please raise a ticket and one of the team will get back to you.

How can I minimise the risk of TRIAD costs?

TRIAD charges only apply to consumption used within the three half hourly Triad periods. By reducing consumption at the right time, HH TNUoS charges can be significantly reduced.

However, predicting TRIAD periods is not an exact science. This is why amber energy will issue daily LOW, MEDIUM or HIGH risk TRIAD alerts in response to the prevailing UK Demand drivers.

amber energy TRIAD alerts

For the 2019/120 TRIAD periods, amber energy will be issuing daily LOW, MEDIUM or HIGH risk TRIAD alerts via this article.

We use multiple sources of information and industry data to determine the TRIAD risk and take a prudent view of the likelihood of TRIAD periods being achieved.

Winter TRIAD’s are predominantly driven by weather, however there are additional contributing factors such as UK total load or renewable source energy availability.

LOW TRIAD Risk

TRIAD drivers pose little risk of a TRIAD. No urgent action to reduce consumption. If our sources upgrade their predictions, an additional warning may be issued.

MEDIUM TRIAD Risk

TRIAD drivers pose a risk of a TRIAD, however seasonal norms and UK demand predictions suggest that a TRIAD is unlikely. Be prepared to reduce consumption, however it may be prudent to reduce consumption where possible without affecting services. If our sources upgrade their predictions, an additional warning may be issued.

HIGH TRIAD Risk

TRIAD drivers suggest a risk of TRIAD is very likely. Reduce consumption where possible in order to avoid increased costs. Where possible, we will advise of the predicted TRIAD time.

Historic TRIAD information (1990 - present)

• TRIAD's have occurred most frequently on a Monday.
• Only 1 TRIAD period has occurred on a Friday (06/12/2013)
• Since 1990, 71 of 87 TRIAD period's have occurred at 17:30 pm

TRIAD Warning Service Disclaimer: 

The TRIAD warning service is a voluntary and discretionary warning service provided by amber energy on a TRIAD season of working days between November and February, where amber energy will warn of a possible TRIAD, detailing the estimated time window of when the TRIAD may occur.

However, this service is provided as amber energy's best estimate and is not intended to create legal relations with or any responsibility on the part of amber energy towards any third party or customer who relies on the content of TRIAD warning service.

Accordingly, amber energy shall not bear any liability or responsibility for any cost claims, losses, liabilities, expenses claim or penalties incurred by the customer or any third party because of (a) the customer or any other third party relying on the warning and/or (b) the TRIAD warning being incorrect.

To be removed from our TRIAD distribution list for alerts, please raise a ticket.